Best Europa 2011 stamp..

 

Winner of EUROPA 2011 Stamp Competition

Turkish PTT declared winner of the EUROPA 2011 Competition

PostEurop  announced Turkish PTT (Turkey), Magyar Posta (Hungary) and CTT Correios (Portugal) as the top three winners of the 2011 EUROPA Stamp Competition at the plenary dinner in Istanbul hosted by Turkish PTT on 12th October.

first-runner up

The results of this year’s Europa Stamp competition  declared on 12th October ,  heralded a new record high of 5,576 number of public votes registered from all over the world. Turkish PTT, postal operator for Turkey was declared the Gold award winner of this competition. The winning stamp from Turkish PTT was designed by Bülent Ates capturing the forest in the autumn.

 

Second runner up

EUROPA stamps are special stamps issued by European postal administrations/enterprises, under the aegis of PostEurop, in which 'Europe' is the central theme. In this 19th consecutive year and around the theme "Forest" to coincide with the UN campaign, “International Year of the Forest” over fifty creative entries were received from all-over Europe.
The close first-runner of the EUROPA Stamp competition was Magyar Posta, postal operator from Hungary and finally, the second-runner up of the EUROPA Stamp competition went to CTT Corrieos, postal operator for Portugal.
“Each year we see the expectations grow around EUROPA stamps from every perspective with growing interest and popularity. Indeed the stamps are more than just work of art, it personifies the country and brought together it gives us a collage of the Europe and the European Postal industry. Therefore, PostEurop has taken a bold step and issued the first ever EUROPA Stamp collection album” declares commented Botond Szebeny, PostEurop Secretary General.
Markku Penttinen, Chairman of the PostEurop Stamps and Philately working group from Itella adds, “We continue to be proud of the work done so far and the EUROPA Stamp collection album marks another great achievement for our experts. It is beautiful, memorable and immortalized."

Source : Post Europ

New stamps on Int. Year of Forests

 

Date of Issue : 13 October 2011

On 13 October 2011, the United Nations Postal Administration will issue three mini-sheets of eight stamps to commemorate the International Year of Forests.

 

The global observance of the Year comes at a time when there has been a much wider recognition of the role that sustainably managed forests play in everything from mitigating climate change to providing wood, medicines and livelihoods for people around the world.

The world's forests cover one third of the Earth's land surface. Forests help to maintain the fertility of agricultural land, protect water sources and reduce the risks of natural disasters. They provide subsistence and income to about 350 million people who live within or near forests. Close to 1.6 billion people depend to some extent on forests for their livelihood.

The main theme for the International Year of Forests 2011 is "Forests for People". It highlights the dynamic relationship between forests and the people who depend on them. Everyone of us is connected to forests. Forests contribute to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air. Over 40 % of the world's oxygen is produced from rainforests. A tree releases 8 to 10 times more moisture into the atmosphere than the equivalent area of the ocean. Forests protect watersheds which supply fresh water to rivers - a critical source of the water we drink and use in our daily lives.

Healthy forests sustain healthy people. Tropical forests provide a vast array of medicinal plants used in healing and health care. More than a quarter of modern medicines originate from tropical forest plants. Forests curb transmission of infectious diseases. Undisturbed tropical forests can have a moderating effect on the spread of insect- and animal-borne diseases.

The International Year of Forests 2011 offers a unique opportunity to raise public awareness of the challenges facing many of the world's forests and the people who depend on them. For more information, please visit www.un.org/forests and www.un.org/esa/forests.

New Stamps on Int.Year of Forests..

 

Tijuca National Park

Date of Issue : 6 July 2011

Here are new stamps on International Year of Forests.The main theme for the International Year of Forests 2011 is “Forests for People”. It highlights the dynamic relationship between forests and the people who depend on them. Brasil Post issued a souvenir sheet commemorating International Year of Forests and World Philatelic Exhibition Brasiliana 2013 . UNPA will also issue new stamps on 13 October in celebration of International Year of Forests.

On Souvenir Sheet…

In the souvenir sheet’s background, a forest symbolizing the Park can be seen. Green in different tones was used to create a harmonious effect by overlapping the elements portrayed in the stamps, which represent typical fauna and flora species: the violet-capped woodnymph (Thalurania glaucopis), the green-headed Tanager (Tangara seledon), the hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou insidiosus) and the orchid Hadrolaelia lobata, which is the symbol of the Tijuca National Park, an endemic species threatened by extinction. On the upper left corner, one can see the logo of the International Year of Forests and the logo of the World Philatelic Exhibition Brasiliana 2013 can be seen on the right.

Rio de Janeiro 's Tijuca National Park surrounds one of the 7 Wonders of the World :100-feet high statue of Christ the Redeemer with open arms.Corcovado.(Christ the Redeemer seen from   the city of Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado Located in the Tijuca National Park, at more than 2000 feet high). 

Tijuca National Park

The Tijuca Forest is a mountainous hand-planted rainforest in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is the world's largest urban forest, covering some 32 km² (12.4 mi²). The forest shares its name with the Tijuca bairro or neighborhood that contains it.The Tijuca Forest is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, many threatened by extinction, found only in the Atlantic Rainforest After all the original forest had been destroyed to make way for coffee farms, Tijuca was replanted by Major Manuel Gomes Archer in the second half of the 19th century in a successful effort to protect Rio's water supply.In 1961, Tijuca Forest was declared a National Park. The Forest contains a number of attractions, most notably the colossal sculpture of Christ the Redeemeratop Corcovado mountain.

Read More…

Stamps from UN Postal administration

 

On 13 October 2011, the United Nations Postal Administration will issue three mini-sheets of eight stamps to commemorate the International Year of Forests.

Every one of us is connected to forests. Forests contribute to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air. Over 40 per cent of the world’s oxygen is produced from rainforests. A tree releases 8 to 10 times more moisture into the atmosphere than the equivalent area of the ocean. Forests protect watersheds which supply fresh water to rivers – a critical source of the water we drink and use in our daily lives.

Healthy forests sustain healthy people. Tropical forests provide a vast array of medicinal plants used in healing and health care. More than a quarter of modern medicines originate from tropical forest plants. Forests curb transmission of infectious diseases. Undisturbed tropical forests can have a moderating effect on the spread of insect- and animal-borne diseases.

The International Year of Forests 2011 offers a unique opportunity to raise public awareness of the challenges facing many of the world’s forests and the people who depend on them.

 

New Europa 2011 Stamps..

 

 

Austria

Date of Issue : 8 September 2011

Here are some stamps to be issued by Austria, Belgium and Isle of Man in the months of September on Europa 2011 theme “ Year of Forest ” . Complete list of stamps featuring all Europa 2011 stamps can be viewed at : Europa Stamps .

Belgium

Date of Issue : 19 September 2011

Isle of Man

 

Date of Issue  : 28 September 2011

New Europa 2011 stamps..

 

 

Date of Issue : 21 June 2011

The  new Europa 2011 issue from Vatican City consists of two stamps presented as a diptych showing a detail of a Sistine Chapel painting by Perugino, The Journey of Moses into Egypt.

The United Nations declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests. Forests cover more than 30% of the earth's surface and represent a vital source of biological diversity. They also play a key role in mitigating the effects of climate change, a concern widely discussed today. Forests are of great importance in regulating the earth's climate, and they play a key role in the water cycle and oxygenation of the planet. Forests provide wood and fuel, they host an enormous variety of living animal and plant species, and they counter soil erosion. Given their vitally important role for the planet, it is necessary to safeguard and protect them.

Denmark

 

Date of Issue : 4 May 2011

The stamp  (8,00 DKK)  features a pale tussock moth caterpillar crawling along a branch and the  other stamp (11,00 DKK)  features a red squirrel climbing up a tree trunk .

 

Greece

 

Date of Issue : 17 May 2011

Germany

Date of Issue : 5 May 2011

The biological, ecological and climatic role of forests is invaluable for the life on Earth. The loss of forests means the loss of biological diversity and climate change.

The clearing of forests and a non-simultaneous afforestation have been hurt earlier cultures. But mankind has apparently not learned much from it: the reckless deforestation in tropical rain forest, the rigorous cases of cutting down of ancient trees without quick replacement have already led to noticeable changes in the flora, fauna and climate. That is why afforestation is one of the biggest global challenges.

New Stamps from Slovenia..

 

 

Date of Issue 27 May 2011

Posta Slovenije (Post of Slovenia) issued a new stamp on 27 May 2011, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the premiere of the first Slovenian full-length (partially) acted film, In the Realm of the Goldenhorn. On the same day a set of two stamps was also issued on EUROPA 2011 theme “Year of Forests”.

Date of Issue : 27 May 2011

Permanent Pictorial Cancellations

Tamil Nadu

Permanent Pictorial Postmark – 15 - Hasthampatti

Date of Inauguration of PPP - January 30, 1997

Hasthampatti is a neighborhood in Salem City. Mahatma Gandhi, during his visit to Salem on February 14, 1934, stayed as a guest at the residence of  Landlord Natesa Pandaram. The Government of India acquired this building in the '80s and the Hasthampatti Post Office is functioning in this building. The room in which Mahatma Gandhi stayed is converted into Mahatma Gandhi Philately Museum inaugurated on January 30, 1997, and philatelic stamps, first day covers, stationery issued by India as well as other countries are in display.
Cover illustration shows bust of Gandhiji and post office building at Hasthampatti. The postmark shows the Charkha / spinning wheel and text 'Bapu' in Tamil and Hindi. The photo below shows Mahatma Gandhi working with Charkha.

 

 

Charkha - The charkha was both a tool and a symbol of the Indian independence movement. It is a small, portable, hand-cranked wheel, ideal for spinning cotton and other fine, short-staple fibers, though it can be used to spin other fibers as well. Mahatma Gandhi brought the charkha into larger use with his teachings. He hoped the charkha would assist the peoples of India achieve self-sufficiency and independence, and so used the charkha as a symbol of the Indian independence movement and included it on earlier versions of the Congress Flags.

: Kasinath R.- Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu)

Blog : My Watercraft Philately

 

 From our Readers…….

Sandeep Chaurasia of Gorakhour shares here an article published in Bhartiya Rail a prestigious magazine of Indian Railways. Mr Chaurasia is a thematic philatelist and collects on Railway theme. Sandeep Chaurasia may be contacted at email : sandeepchaurasiagkp@gmail.com

Published in 'BHARTIYA RAIL' (March-April 2011)

New Stamps on Forests..

To be issued on 6 June 2011

To celebrate International Year of Forests, Stamps on Forests are being issued by various nations. This year’s Europa theme is also Forests . Here are some new Europa issues. The stamps are beautiful with some very unique designs.

Norway

To be issued on 6 June 2011

Luxembourg

Date of Issue : 17 May 2011

Belgium

To be issued on 19 September 2011

View Complete list of Euroapa 2011 stamps

Permanent Pictorial Cancellations

Tamil Nadu

This is not a special cover unlike the earlier covers posted in this series, but a matching cover and stamp for the pictorial postmark.

Permanent Pictorial Postmark – 14 – Vedantangal

The postmark shows Pelican birds. Photo below shows aerial view of part of Vedanthangal Lake with birds.

Vedanthankal Lake Bird Sanctuary is located in the Kancheepuram District, about 75 km from Chennai on National Highway 45 (NH45) south of Chengalpattu. It is one of the oldest water bird sanctuaries in the country, and is a home for migratory birds such as pintail, garganey, grey wagtail, blue-winged teal, common sandpiper and many more. The sanctuary has been fiercely protected by the local population for well over 250 years. In 1936, the park was notified as a sanctuary, and in 1962, the Madras Forest Act legally accorded the status of a reserve forest to Vedanthangal. Ten years later, the place was declared as a wildlife sanctuary. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from November to March. During this time birds are mostly busy in building and maintaining their nests.

: Kasinath R.- Thanjavur

Blog : My Watercraft Philately

New Europa stamps – Year of Forests

 

 

 

 

 

        

         
Date of Issue : 28 April 2011

Here are some new stamps to be issued by Bulgaria and Estonia Post to celebrate International Year of Forests with common theme of Europa 2011 – the year of Forests. The stamps are beautiful and look magnificent !! Bulgaria Post also issues a Miniature sheet with to stamps and two separate sheetlets of each stamp. More new issues of EUROPA 2011 could be seen on this Special Blog . A query from the reader…..given in next section of this Post. Response from the readers will be highly appreciated !! This is all for Today….Till Next Post….Have a Nice Time !

Bulgaria

Estonia

Date of Issue : 28 April 2011

View complete list of Europa 2011stamps on Europa Stamps

Club News

Query from the readers…

Krishnadevaraya MS…..No of copies ???

I have received enquiries from some of our readers regarding the actual number of MS of Krishnadevaraya issued by India Post on 27 January 2011. The information sheet mentions number of copies of stamps but not the number of MS printed. It will be nice if someone could answer this question ….. or the officials of Philately section of India Post could throw some light on this issue….

 

Postage Stamps to go online in 2012

 

 PTI     New Delhi   April 20, 2011

Department of Post is planning to introduce online version of postage stamps, which will enable India Post customers to use print out of the stamp for sending mails.
"Our effort is to make access of postal service easy and simple for users. We are working on project that will enable them to print copy of bar-code based receipt and use it in place of postal stamps for sending mails," Department of Post (DoP) Secretary Radhika Doraiswamy told PTI.
The project is a part of e-commerce initiatives by India Post, she added.
"Our minister (Union Minister for Communications and IT Kapil Sibal) has already inaugurated e-post office and has asked e-market place to be developed. We are in process of developing application for various platforms on internet," she added.

Under the e-market place project, DoP will facilitate selling of small scale and cottage industry products through its website.The product catalogue will be published on internet and will give customers an option to select and make payments for the purchased product online.
Once the order in placed, post-office, located nearest to the product seller's location, will arrange for the pick-up and delivery of the product to the customer."We will accept orders from both domestic and international customers," Doraiswamy said.Doraiswamy mentioned that DoP is contemplating introduction of home pick-up services for mails and parcels for some set of services such as registered post, insured post, speed post and WorldNet. "Customer would have to pay online and register for the service. A postman will then go and pick the parcel or mail from the customer. The plan, however, is currently in a discussion phase," she said.
She added, "We have to ensure that post office gets the payment for delivering services and customers get services conveniently. Everything is being worked out through RFPs (request for proposals), but most of our services will come on internet in 2012," Doraiswamy said.

- Business Today

New Stamps on International Year of Forests…

Date of Issue : 21 April 2011

International Year of Forests

In honour of the U.N.’s International Year of Forests, Canada Post is releasing a two-stamp issue on 21 April 2011, that speaks to both the diversity and intrinsic value of Canada’s forests. Designed by Vancouver’s Subplot Design, the stamps offer two views of the contemporary forest; one showing the marvel of life found in the forest floor and the other depicting the sheer strength and lush fecundity of a new growth North American rainforest through a close-up of new trees that culminates in a fresh canopy of green leaves.

New Europa 2011 stamps

Year of Forests

Date of Issue : 4 April 2011

The year 2011 has been declared the ‘International Year of Forests’ by the United Nations to “raise awareness and strengthen the sustainable forest management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.”

The stamps depict forests found in the Amazon, Brazil; Yosemite National Park in California, North America; Alpine forests and forests found in Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.

The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil, South America is a moist broadleaf forest that covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America. This basin encompasses seven million square kilometers (1.7 billion acres), of which five and a half million square kilometers (1.4 billion acres) are covered by the rainforest. The Amazon represents over half of the planet’s remaining rainforests, and it comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world.

Yosemite National Park is a national park spanning eastern portions of Tuolumne, Mariposa and Madera counties in east central California, United States. The park contains five major vegetation zones: chaparral/oak woodland, lower montane, upper montane, subalpine, and alpine. Of California’s 7,000 plant species, about 50% occur in the Sierra Nevada and more than 20% within Yosemite.

The alpine Swiss National Park is located in the canton of Graubünden in the east of Switzerland between Zernez, S-chanf, Scuol and the Fuorn Pass in the Engadin valley on the border with Italy. It has an area of 174.2 km² and is the largest protected area of the country. It was founded on 1 August 1914, the national holiday of Switzerland. It was one of the earliest national parks in Europe.

The Plitvice Lakes is a national park in Croatia in the Plitvice Lakes municipality, in the mountainous region of Lika. The Plitvice Lakes national park is heavily forested, mainly with beech, spruce, and fir trees, and features a mixture of Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation. It has a notably wide variety of plant communities, due to its range of microclimates, differing soils and varying levels of altitude.

Date of Issue : 5 April 2011

Date of Issue : 6 April 2011

Date of Issue : 8 April 2011

See more Europa 2011 stamps